Gaming Life in Japan

Share.

A TGS preview, a photo tour of JAMMA, and a fully updated release list.

By Anoop Gantayat

TGS PRE-GAME The Tokyo Game Show is set to kick off on Friday for three days of gaming in sunny Chiba, Tokyo's Eastern neighbor, known more commonly as that thing you have to pass through on your way to Narita airport. The IGN editors have arrived in Tokyo, sampled the ramen of the gods, chugged a sufficient number of man-sized beer "jockey" mugs, and are at last ready to line up for three hours to play the next Monster Hunter game.

This year's show is expected to be the biggest ever, with host Consumer Entertainment Software Association (CESA) reporting a record number of exhibitors and games. CESA states that 573 games will be on display. While this is somewhat of an exaggeration, as it includes student games that no one actually cares about, there's a whole lot of real gaming for us to cover and you to read about.

Let's get this out of the way first. Wii will not be playable at the Tokyo Game Show. Most of the major publishers have released their official lists of what will be playable and what will be video only, and wherever there's mention of Wii, it's always accompanied by the phrases "video-only" or "demonstration." The latter suggests that there could be playable units on the show floor, only company representatives will be holding demonstration events rather than letting gamers actually play.

The big focus of the show will be on the PS3 and Xbox 360, and to a lesser extent, because of no Nintendo presence, the DS. TGS is the first time the PS3 will be made available for play to the general masses. E3 doesn't count, as aside from EB employees, it's a trade-only event. TGS is also the first time the public will get its hands on a genuine Mistwalker product. Trailers no more, we'll be playing Lost Odyssey!

Unlike E3, TGS targets itself more towards the fans rather than the press who fill up the hall on the Friday business day. There are a few press conferences, but the symbolism of a TGS press conference isn't as big as that of an E3 press conference. Sega held a press conference to show off its product last week. Microsoft will hold one on Wednesday afternoon Japanese time. Sony Computer Entertainment's Ken Kutaragi will highlight the PlayStation 3 at a keynote address on Friday morning.

But that's it! With the Tokyo Game Show, the real experience is to be had on the show floor itself. So without further adieu, here's a look.

Click for super mega expanded view.

The major companies are marked in English. This layout is pretty standard for the show, with Microsoft and Sony occupying separate halls. The only discrepancy we've noted is that Square Enix is next to Sony rather than being in a separate hall with Microsoft.

For a look at the expected games and happenings for each booth, turn the page. Also, be sure and check down a few pages for JAMMA coverage, Pokemon Diamond & Pearl scans, and an updated release list with all the latest Wii announcements covered.